Prilosec® Over the Counter (OTC)
Both the prescription strength and over the counter versions of the drug Prilosec® have Omeprazole as their main active ingredients. However, prescription Prilosec® can be given in multiple dose strengths including 10, 20, and 40 mg tablets. It is also available in a powdered form that is designed to be mixed with water and ingested orally.
Prilosec OTC®
Prilosec OTC® is the over the counter version of the prescription drug Prilosec®. It is manufactured by Proctor and Gamble and comes in a 20 mg delayed release caplet. The caplet is technically a 20.6 mg container of Omeprazole Magnesium but it is the equivalent of a 20 mg tablet of straight Omeprazole.
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and is designed to combat frequent heartburn by shutting down the acid producing cells in the lining of the stomach. This reduces the overall amount of acid and decreases the risk of that acid finding its way up into the esophagus and burning the tender tissue there. This acid reflux is actually what causes the burning or painful sensations we call heartburn in most cases, however, it is not the only cause of heartburn.
Omeprazole will not immediately relieve heartburn symptoms and is designed to be released into the bloodstream over an extended period of hours for maximum effectiveness.
Prilosec® Side Effects
Generally patients who experience side effects from Prilosec OTC® suffer from:
- Headache
- Stomach upset (pain or nausea which may lead to vomiting)
- Digestive issues (diarrhea or constipation)
- And gas or bloating
More severe side effects can include:
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, eyes, even throat) which can be deadly if untreated
- Bone pain (increased risk of bone fractures to the spine, hip, and wrist)
- Chest pain
- Painful blistering or peeling of the skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- And dangerous drug interactions
The drugs with which Prilosec® may adversely interact include but are not limited to:
- Warfarin or Coumadin (blood thinners)
- Cilostazol (an anti-clotting drug)
- Clopidogrel (a cholesterol medication sold under the name Plavix)
- Diazepam commonly called Valium (an anti-anxiety medication)
- Disulfiram (used to treat alcoholism)
- Cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant)
- Tacrolimus (another immunosuppressant sometimes used to treat eczema)
- Phenytoin (an anti-epileptic)
- Ketoconazole (an anti-fungal drug)
- Ampicillin (an antibiotic)
- HIV or AIDS medications such as Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir
- And even Iron supplements
In addition, the FDA is currently investigating a link between use of Omeprazole and increased instances of heart problems including arrhythmic heartbeat and heart attack. There also may be some correlation between the drug and risk of stroke.
Contact a Prilosec® Attorney
If you've taken Prilosec®, either in prescription or over the counter form, and have experienced any of these side effects, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your suffering. Contact our offices today to speak with a Prilosec® attorney, confidentially. There's no cost to you.
